Madison County couple faces misdemeanor charges for not feeding their eight dogs

Lebanon, NY -- A Lebanon couple faces eight misdemeanor charges for not feeding their eight dogs, which include beagles, coonhounds and greyhounds.

Louise and Gary Williams of Lebanon Road were arrested Jan. 20 on eight counts of torturing or injuring animals, a Class A misdemeanor under the state Agriculture and Markets Law.

Madison County sheriff’s deputies called in a local veterinarian after responding to a complaint at the home. The vet said that the dogs could be brought back to health with proper feeding and water.

The couple told deputies they didn’t have quality food for the animals.

“According to the vet, it takes months for it to get like this,” Capt. Matt Episcopo said. “They weren’t properly taken care of.”

The couple voluntarily surrendered three of the dogs to Wanderers' Rest animal shelter, Episcopo said. Sheriff’s deputies are visiting the home weekly to ensure that the remaining dogs are making progress.